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family_staralternate_emailDavidDoesStuff

he/him

MANKIND IS DEAD | BLOOD IS FUEL | HELL IS FULL

ACT 1-1: Bravado Encased In Power“Seriously guys, ya gotta go a little faster or I’m just gonna go shop without-cha!” Seth’s voice blended in with the urban sprawl, but it was still noticeable to his three friends who were lagging behind. Stella laughed a bit then responded, “Well, it’s your choice to skate around everywhere. Maybe if you just took the time to take a nice walk throughout town, you wouldn’t be complaining.” Sam joined in, “Also the store will still be open, it’s not like we’re cutting it close at all.” Seth slowed down a bit on his skateboard and hollered, “Ok sure, but it still doesn’t make you any less slow!” He sped off ahead of the group, much to the annoyance of both Sam and Stella. The last member, Blake, would run ahead of the two, exclaiming “We gotta catch up with him!” Before running into the crowd. Sighing, Stella would say, “Well, I guess we do, don’t we?” Sam silently agreed, and the two followed suit. Arriving in the market district, many signs, billboards, and people were all advertising their respective products, various conversations about prices or deals were floating around, just as Stella and Sam caught up with Blake and a de-boarded Seth. Seth, seeing the two arrive would sigh and mutter, “Finalllly. Took ya long enough.” Sam would initiate the conversation by asking, “I forgot to ask, but why are we shopping? You guys kinda just took me here on a whim.” “Well, Blake needs some more clothes,” said Stella “So, we’re taking him here to get some more!” Before Blake could speak up, Seth would interrupt. “Buddy, you have like one pair of shirt and pants, the only reason why people don’t notice is cause of your hoodie. Got it? Got it.” Seth turns back to the other two. “So yeah he needs some clothes. I mean if I’m really being honest, you could also do with some wardrobe changes, Sam.” Sam rebukes, “Heh, says you!” Stella would interrupt the two, “Alright stop your fighting, we’re here. Apparently this place also sells some more unique clothing items, so take a look around and see if anything catches your eye.” The four were set loose in the store, just looking around, nothing quite making them intrigued yet. Stella walked over to Blake, silently muttering, “I don’t really need clothes, I buy too many- Oh, uh Blake! Seen anything yet?” Blake picked out a shirt with a dark bluish-purple shirt with a space motif. “Um… This one looks good…I think…” Stella gleefully replied, “I’m sure it’ll look great buddy, now time to find some pants to compliment them…” On the other side of the store, Sam and Seth were playfully bickering with each other, until the former saw something. Walking over, it was a cape, with a fire pattern imprinted inside it. Seth dryly commented, “Welp. It’s a cape. Wait, are you a cape guy?” Sam chuckled, “To this specific one? I guess so!” The two groups would join at the checkout counter. Sam began paying for his half of the clothing, while the other three began to argue. “So… Seth. Are you gonna pay for Blake’s clothes or..?” “Why is this on me? Your idea, and also, I don’t have any bucks on me right now!” Stella stared daggers towards Seth, with him replying “I’m not lying, and no creepy stares are gonna change my mind.” Blake, in the middle, sighed and just said, “Y-yknow, it’s fine, I’ll pay for my own stuff!” Stella sighed while Seth hid a slight smirk. The group left the store content, with the clothes being put into Sam’s backpack, but something was off when they left. The city was silent. People were cautiously walking in one direction with worried murmurs filling the empty void. Sam was the first to speak up. “Is there like- an event today or..?” Seth interrupted, “Don’t think so, let’s see what this is all about anyway.” As the four teens caught up with the crowd, they ended up by one of the city’s exits, everybody crowding around the sidewalk. The four, walking to where the roundabout and road connect, saw what the townsfolk were so intrigued by. A looming, dark figure slowly trudged towards the citizens, looking down all the while. It lugged something heavy behind itself, and before long, the being spoke in a commanding tone. “CITIZENS OF WILLOWCREST. THIS IS THE GLADIATOR’S ULTIMATUM. THE CITIZENS OF THIS SMALL CITY WILL NEED TO SUBMIT TO ME WITHIN ONE WEEK, AND BE UNDER MY LEADERSHIP. OR ELSE, YOU WILL SUFFER THE WRATH OF A GOD.” The four, much like most of the crowd, were rather offput and confused by the demands. “Is… this guy actually serious? Or is he just playin’ god for shit’s n’ giggles?” Seth wasn’t too impressed with the figure and neither was Sam. “Don’t know, but I don’t really think so.” Sam stepped forward, smirking. “Don’t worry, I’ll catch his bluff.” “Hey, big guy! Stop acting all high and mighty and save yourself some embarrassment with all this ‘submit to me!’ talk.” The figure looked up to face Sam. Its one pupil and pale skin suddenly becoming apparent to him. “OH? YOU DON’T BELIEVE MY POWER TO BE A REALITY?” Sam, still quite confident, laughed. “I guess I don’t dude! It doesn’t matter how creepy you look, you aren't the powerful… thing you claim to be! Also, I don’t think most people here even believe you.” “I SUPPOSE EVEN THIS PLACE HAS FORGOTTEN ME… NO MATTER. IF YOU REALLY WISH TO TEST THE VALIDITY OF THE GLADIATOR…” The Gladiator slammed down the object it was carrying into the pavement, making a very large dent into it. The revealed object was a battle axe, although one half looked more like a hammer if anything. Either way, both sides seemed to have almost flame-like energy forming the battle-hammer shape, with a crystal at its tip. The Gladiator took a breath before continuing its monologue. “…THEN FACE ME IN COMBAT TO PROVE YOUR SKILL, AND MINE.” Sam’s three friends were slightly more worried at the escalating confrontation. Seth tapped Sam’s back, “Ok look, I’m not one to back down from many things, but you should probably just quit while you're ahead dude!” “What? Scared I’ll get hurt?” Stella was unimpressed with Sam’s nonchalance. “Yeah, of course, do you not believe that this guy’s a threat or like what?” “Also don’t you need, like, a weapon for these kinda things-” Seth interjected, “Blake, don’t… don’t encourage him like this.” Sam laughed “Heh, you think I haven’t prepared something?! I’ve saved this for a while!” Sam put his backpack down and rummaged through the clothes and other assorted junk. After a bit he found what he was looking for: a sheath! In the sheath, a shortsword, a red streak lining its blade with a wooden grip and a unique crossguard. Sam held it to the air, reflecting the sunlight before showing it to his three friends. “God-damnit, why would you bring that in a BACKPACK?!” “Wait Seth, you knew he had that?” Stella was extremely confused by the newly present blade that was apparently always in Sam’s backpack. Seth took a long sigh before continuing. “Ok so me and Sam went to a weapons store one time like two months ago cause he’s apparently crazy for those types of things. He sees… that, buys it, tells me, and I forget about it until now, I thought he just left it at home- Do you even know how to use that fuckin’ thing?” “I’ve used it a bit, sides’, I don’t even think that guy knows how to wield his weapon.” Seth was done with Sam’s naivety, and gave him one last ultimatum. “Sam, you’re gonna get killed by that guy, straight up. You’re gonna get smooshed, or slashed or, whatever else if you continue like this! There’s no downside to just leaving things be, you don’t need to be a hero when you aren’t one in this situation!” Sam was a bit rattled, but took a step towards the Gladiator. The three realized that Sam was going to fight no matter what they said. Sam gave them a slight smile before returning to facing his opponent. “YOUR FRIENDS OFFERED YOU AN OUT, THAT, IF I WERE YOU, I WOULD’VE TAKEN. I WOULD’VE HONORED THAT OFFER, BUT WHY DID YOU REFUSE?” Sam stays silent, although he looks aside for a brief moment. “NO USE IN PLEASANTRIES I SUPPOSE. WELL, TIME TO CRUSH THIS REBELLIOUS INSECT!” The Gladiator rushed forward, as the crowd dispersed. Sam was mostly focused on dodging, trying to find some way to get in without being slammed against the pavement. Meanwhile his friends were running away, but were also coming up with a plan. Stella, panicked, eventually calmly explained the gist of it. “Ok, me and Blake are gonna go call the authorities if they aren’t already coming here. Seth, you keep a lookout on Sam; if he’s in hot water, then get onboard and get him out of there when an opportunity arises. Okay?” Seth nodded, and so did Blake. The three scattered to their positions as the fight raged on. “LITTLE WRETCH… YOU CAN’T DODGE FOREVER.” “Well to me, it just seems like you have bad aim!” Despite Sam’s bravado, he’s starting to struggle. He really can’t keep doing this forever, and is just looking for one slip up from the opponent. Sam tries to focus on his opponent’s movements, how the Gladiator strafes around and when he lunges. However Sam’s the one who slips up, unaware of an upwards slice that was coming his way. He notices, but it’s too late; it hits him square in the chest, sending him flying upwards. He manages to land on his feet, unsteady but still ready to fight, that is until he coughs. Red. Dark red. It stained the road, the liquid seeping into the minute cracks. Sam looked at his hand. Blood. If the situation hadn’t already dawned on him, it did now. Before he could react the Gladiator once again rushed in, pinning him to the ground. The Gladiator holds him by the neck in the air. “HA. WHERE’D YA CONFIDENCE GO, LITTLE BUG?” It slams Sam back into the ground. Sam tries to get out of its grip but it ends up hurting him even more. “YOU WANTED TO SEE IF MY POWER WAS REAL?” The Gladiator slams its fist into Sam’s chest, with the intent to cause as much pain before a kill strike. “I SUPPOSE YOU GOT YOUR ANSWER, AND I’VE GOT MINE. YOU ARE NOTHING. THIS TOWN IS NOTHING. AND NOW? TIME TO FINISH THINGS.” The Gladiator slides its weapon across the road, making small cracks within the asphalt. Sam tries backing away from it, but he struggles to get up properly. He looks up at the shadow of his end. One spiral eye intent on killing. It picks up its weapon and holds it high in the sky. Sam instinctively closes his eyes, waiting for it to happen. The Gladiator slams the weapon down. Nothing. The weapon hits the road. The Gladiator looks up and sees that Sam has moved further away, carried out of the attack by Seth. It sighs. “YOU ARE LUCKY TO HAVE GOOD FRIENDS. ALTHOUGH I AM NOT OPPOSED TO VIOLENT MEANS, YOU WILL NOT DIE TODAY, SWORDSMAN. YOU WILL NOT GET A SECOND CHANCE HOWEVER. ONCE AGAIN, CITIZENS OF WILLOWCREST, I STATE MY DEMANDS. IF, WITHIN ONE WEEK, THIS CITY DOES NOT BOW TO ME, I WILL CRUSH THIS TOWN AS I DID WITH THAT USURPER.” “THAT IS ALL.” The Gladiator turns and leaves, nobody opposing it. Meanwhile Stella and Blake hurriedly run over to Sam and Seth. Sam is unconscious from the fight, although luckily he is still breathing, albeit erraticly. Additionally, various bruises and small slashes layer his body. After surveying the damage the group start to worry even more, especially when a small crowd gathers around the scene. Stella breaks the silence, although he was more panicked than ever. Biting her nails, he said, “O-ok, so what to do, what to do…” Blake was first to respond with the obvious, “We need a doctor or something right?” “Y-yeah. I’ll just call one…” Before Stella could, somebody emerged from the crowd. “Excuse me… Ah, finally at the front.” A man came to the front of the small crowd. He looked somewhat ordinary, except for his eyepatch. “I’m a doctor, let me inspect him.” The teens, desperate for anything, agreed. The doctor procedurally checked Sam’s body. Although the teens couldn’t know exactly what the doctor was doing, they were hopeful that he could help Sam recover. After what felt like an eternity to them, they heard the doctor speak once more. “It’s…not that bad. I can solve this.” Seth laughed in confusion “Uh- what do you mean ‘not that bad-’ He has a giant bloody bruise on his chest?!” “Well…” The doctor trailed off as he took out something from his briefcase. “To an ordinary doctor this might be considered scary. But not me.” From the briefcase, the doctor took out… a pistol. It had a unique design. Before the teens could react, he set the slider on the gun a certain way. One shot. Two shots. Three. Seth yelled at the doctor after the realization set in. “Wh-What the FUCK DID YOU JUST DO?!” The doctor sighed before the exploding teen could do anything drastic. “He’s going to be fine; look. Three, two, one… now.” On cue, Sam started to wake up. Although slightly sluggish, he seemed to be just fine, as if he didn’t get hurt at all. The doctor walked back into the crowd, leaving one final message. “To the injured patient, don’t get in any life-threatening fights within 12 hours, and you’ll be fine. Now. I must take my leave.” Seth, now calmed down, kneeled down to his friend. “So… are you okay?” A dejected Sam quietly responded, “…I guess.” As a few police cars entered the vicinity, asking a few citizens on what occurred, the teens had a question of their own. What Now?

CH 6: A Sea of VoicesLooking back on that discovery… it still didn’t make much sense to you. It’d been a few days since that horrid discovery, and you’ve checked back on the body a few times, just to check if what you were seeing was real. As you held the memory fragment with a firm grasp, you closed your eyes and sighed. It was reality. You’ve watched that same memory over and over, Mira’s death practically implanted into your mind… but there was one clear thing odd about it. The killer. Apollyon. You thought you’d been doing a good job keeping an eye on everybody here, and you originally just came to the assessment that he was mostly harmless, arguably a bit naive. Guess you weren’t looking hard enough. He was a shut-in, so you made that hasty assessment. Yet, all signs before and after the apparent “killing” that you’ve seen of him… he looks and acts so innocent. Yes, people have different motives compared to their looks, but without looking into his mind, or witnessing the event firsthand, it was just hard to believe. The only leads you had were the memory and Inu’s disappearance after half of the people disappeared on the surface, yet a lot of people disappeared, so pinning it to him in particular would be jumping the shark. Outside of that and his personality being shy… nothing. You shake your head again. “I… don’t know what to do right now…” You get up and decide to have a walk, maybe it’d help you a bit. The locale that you were currently in was false yet comforting; if you don’t focus on the particulars then it just looks like you’re outside, but it's clear that there’s no simple escape from this reality that you and the other have been trapped in. Still, the fake sunlight makes a walk quite peaceful, as you still think about the killing. You… do sense somebody watching you. Somebody intent. You look around, then up. The looming figure stood near you, almost as if it was awaiting something. “Hello. Do you wish to speak with me, Tower?” “QUELQUE CHOSE VOUS DÉRANGE. [SOMETHING BOTHERS YOU.]” Oh. A confrontation. You knew somebody would notice eventually, but you weren’t sure if it was time to reveal all of the cards in your sleeve quite yet. “Err… Yes, I suppose you could say tha-“ “NE PARLEZ PAS. JE SAIS CE QUI VOUS DÉRANGE. [DO NOT SPEAK. I KNOW WHAT BOTHERS YOU]” “..! What do you mean?” “NE VOUS INQUIÉTEZ PAS, JE NE LE DIRAI À PERSONNE. [DO NOT WORRY, I WILL NOT TELL ANYONE]” “SACHEZ-LE, CEPENDANT. [KNOW THIS, HOWEVER]” “ICI, LES CHOSES NE SONT PAS CE QU'ELLES SEMBLENT. [HERE, THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM.] “ADIEU, SAKU.” …What? The tower always gave you a mysterious feeling, but this was the first conversation you’ve had with it, and the result was several more questions, and arguably no more answers to compensate. You just… stood there, having to take it all in for a bit, before your mind finally got to work. After the shock subsided, the main revelation you needed to take in was that the Tower had more power than you had assumed. Yes, it could’ve bluffed, but the answer, along with its serious tone makes you think otherwise. Alongside that, was another new fact; somebody else knows about the situation with you, Apollyon, and Mira. You were always going to reveal this problem to others, but the Tower knowing it based on mannerisms alone was… scary, to say the least. Finally, the ending. You’d already pieced together that this place was a phony; most people here should have already. But the Tower’s emphasis on it likely meant it wasn’t just talking about the location. So, the only other likely meaning was… people. Stemming off from that, if the Tower knows what you’re hiding… they’re referring to Apollyon, aren’t they? You’ve been divided on whether he’s really a killer or some external force, like another person forced his hand. Was it really the Statue..? You… couldn’t make up your mind right then, so you, albeit a bit hesitant, continued the walk. You entered one of the buildings and got to the main hall of it. It had the appearance of a cafeteria, like one at a school, and most people usually gathered here. Except for right now; it was mostly empty in the case of it being early in the day. The exception was two people on the mini “stage,” Amadeus and Khronos, having a pretty involved conversation. “Really? You’ve just… never thought about your past… ever?” “i-uh-heh… not reawwy, i was focused on music since i woke up…oh!” Amadeus noticed you walking towards the two of them and waved, followed by Khronos doing the same. “(Sigh)… Hi, Khronos, Amadeus. Sorry for intruding on your conversation.” “Nah, it’s fine. Right now I’m just listening to this guy’s awesome piano playing, and talkin’ about himself” “um- i wouldn’t say my pwaying is “awesome” but… yeah, i guess we awe tawking about me…” “I heard about you talking about your past, or your lack of one. Care to elaborate, if you want?” “mmm yeah… so basiciawwy, i don’t have memories of my past; i just woke up, all i had was my music talent, so i just kept walking forward, playing all the time.” Khronos was silent for a bit, before loudly interjecting- “Hey aren’t you like a memory god or something? That’s what you said when we first met right? So… can you like, do something about the amnesia or..?” You kind of laugh at the timekeeper’s remarks. “Ah- no. You see, my abilities are… limited to say the least. You see, my powers when they come down to it are simply to read minds, log them, and be able to replay them. I can’t exactly obtain an erased memory, only those able to be remembered.” “o-oh… re-recent memories huh.” You take notice of the musician's remark. You didn’t say recent memories, just remembered memories. He was hiding something, and you wanted to find out what happened so recently. “Amadeus.” “y-yeah?” “Something bothers you, is that correct?” “h-huh? we-well… i guess you could say… that…” “Well. What happened?” “i-uh-she-him-uh…“ “her…i…i…” Khronos stood up and glared at you. “Hey, you’re clearly stressing him out! “I can see, hold on, let me rectify that…” You change voices from a demanding inquisitive one to a more quiet one, trying to be more soothing. Meanwhile, Amadeus was not taking things well, curling up into a ball. Although you couldn’t clearly see his face, it was evident he was crying, or on the verge. “I’m sorry for pressuring you like this. Just… take a deep breath, try to recollect what happened.” “it…it was so… fast. i can…can remember pieces, but to me it’s a blur…” “Does this mean that we can’t know what happened or..?” “No. His brain is trying to block out a memory, but my ability bypasses those restrictions. Now, please focus Mr. Bingen. After this, you won’t have to dig up those memories anymore.” “Jeez… I knew something was off but this?” You open up the memory box that has been eternally tagging along by your side. Inside, you take one of the slabs. Then, you focus, closing your eyes, and placing your other hand near the back of the musician’s head. You then chant softly and slowly, until the incantation is finally over. When everything is said in done, the memory slab has a new imprint on it. You open your eyes and go to Khronos. “This is quite odd, the memory has a spiral within a circle as its inscription. I believe Amadeus would… not like to watch this again, so shall we?” Khronos took a heavy sigh. “I… guess so.” You expand the slab with a hand motion, and the memory begins to play. It’s dark, midnight almost. The only thing visible right now is Amadeus’ body. There was also a distinct banging sound effect, and a few seconds later, something bursted through the wall. “What… is that?” A figure with a giant axe with an eye, the woman didn’t have legs, instead having a kraken’s tentacles instead. And the eye. That spiral eye. The one that ingrained its mark on Amadeus so much. The figure then said its name; Radia Adair. Khronos immediately was taken aback. “Hold on, stop it right there- Radia? She was that weird shy girl who went missing with the others right?” “Yes… that’s correct, she left alongside people like Inu around the same time, but now she is back, albeit… deformed.” You point at THE INTRUDER. THE INTRUDER then swung its weapon at Amadeus and the memory would fade. But, you noticed something. Amadeus fell onto the ground for a brief moment before the memory ended, and another figure was visible. Apollyon. “Why is he here..?” You quietly muttered, quickly being picked up by Khronos “…Who?” “For a few moments, Apollyon was there- why was he there?” “Huh? Oh, you’re right!” “i… can explain everything.” Amadeus walked towards the two of you, clearly a bit dejected. “when we left that indoor location, i thought something was left unexplored… i went with apowwyon, because he offered to help, and we found a basement. then… well you saw what happened.” “What happened after?” “i hid myself, i couldn’t do anything against her… but apollyon came back, thankfully. he said he killed her, and… yeah i saw it.” Crap. Now you have evidence that Apollyon can be a killer. Yes it was self defense but still, he’s willing to kill and that doesn’t help your judgment. “o-oh yeah there was this… white room, it was furnished like a waiting room, but there was nothing to it other than that…” “Well, it seems like we have some answers, but more questions. Like what happened to Ms. Adair?” “Jeez, I don’t really know what to say…” There was an awkwardness in the room, having unpacked… that. But you decide to make the air a bit more calmer. “Hey, Amadeus. Is it okay if you play the piano some more, to lighten the mood?” “h-h-huh? Oh, I guess, yeah…” The three of you step back to the piano, and Amadeus begins playing a piece. It was… soothing, and put everyone’s mind at rest. It almost made you forget about Apollyon, the fact you were trapped, etc. But, just before you were fully enveloped in relaxation, you noticed something. Through the windows of the door you came in from, you spot him. The horns, the wings, the fly. It was him. You needed to ask some questions. Now. “Excuse me, I need to go somewhere.” Khronos eyed you suspiciously. As you left, he’d also stand up. “Yeah, no. They’re also hiding something, sorry Amadeus but I’m going too.” “e-eh? you think saku’s hiding something? “Given how suddenly he left, I think something’s up.” “…i-i’ll also come with!” … “You, Apollyon. I need to ask you a question.” “???” He was obviously confused, this was your first real talk.” “My question is simple. Did you kill Mira Cher?” He looked surprised, probably didn’t expect a witness. “Don’t play dumb, I know you killed her. But, I don’t want to believe you are one. So if you’re being played by someone else, now is the time to say. “… ~ Infestation ~ Extended Darkness ~ Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit!” You sighed. At least he wasn’t a killer. But what of this infestation? “…Forgive me, but if I may, could I peer into your mind a bit, to find who or what caused you to do it?” Apollyon backed up, shaking his head. The line between his murderer and normal personalities were becoming more murky, but eventually he gave up and turned around. You did the same thing, memory slab, hand against his head and… “GAh- What?” You were immediately warped to a void, endless darkness surrounded you. Meanwhile, you were… floating in mid air. What…was happening to you? Suddenly a blaring sound filled your ears, making you instinctively put your hands on your ears. The darkness suddenly warped to static, like one you’d find on a TV. The change in brightness was so bright that you had to additionally close your eyes. In the distance, you could barely make out a figure, you couldn’t make out any of it except for the fact it was tall. It then spoke in a looming, powerful voice. ““̴‘̷V̵E̶N̴G̸A̶N̶C̵E̶ ̶I̴S̸ ̵M̴I̷N̷E̶;̴ ̵I̵ ̸W̸I̶L̴L̵ ̵R̸E̷P̵A̶Y̸!̵’̶ ̸S̵A̴Y̸S̵ ̸T̸H̶E̸ ̶L̸O̸R̵D̸!̶”̷ “̶̛̗S̴̥̐O̵͔̚ ̸͕͐Ṗ̸͈Ȕ̶̫T̵̻́ ̶͖͒T̸̻̓Ö̴̯ ̶̖͂D̴̪͠Ȇ̴̹A̷̠̽T̶̞̈́H̴͎̒ ̶̹͘T̴͚̈́H̶̳́Ḝ̸ ̸̢̑S̶̱̈I̴͕̐N̴̰͆F̶͇̀U̸̫̒L̴̯̄,̵̜̉ ̴̪̊É̴͜A̶̯͐Ȑ̴̖T̴̖̓H̸͖͠L̴̰͘Ȳ̷̝ ̸̞͂Ț̵͂H̸̩͛I̴̦͝N̸̥͐G̴̈͜Ș̸̐ ̸̻̓L̷͈͝Ṵ̷̈́Ŕ̶̹K̴͚̀I̴͇̚Ṅ̴̻G̸̻͘ ̶̯͑W̶͓͌I̵̽͜T̷̪͐Ḧ̴̪́Î̵̼N̵̪̒ ̶̮̀Y̴̦͋O̴̹͂Ü̷̘.̵̳̒“̶̢̒ “̴̡̼̞̼́̾͘W̶̛̳E̷͍̠̅͠ ̷̱̟̯̻̎̂Ẅ̴̼̰́Ȋ̵̢̟̗̠L̸̮͇̪͚̇͗̆L̵̩̅̂̑ ̵̧̩̬̜̎̈͝A̷̖͛̅͠L̸̖͖̫͔̒̍L̶̝̤͑̿͐͝ ̶̭̖̮͊͌̄̕͜D̶̬̫͓̭͗̈̽Ḯ̸̘͉͚̘͛͂E̴͙̋̄ ̴̱̚O̶̹͆N̵͇̉̉̄E̷̮̳̗̔͗ ̶̩̈́̓̀Ď̵̳A̸̛̲̼̣̿͛̌Y̵͔̣̠̎.̷̜̹͕̳̅͑̄”̶̢͙̣̥̈́̄̍͗ au revoir. You suddenly awake on the ground. Getting up, Apollyon was gone and there was a static memory slab on the ground. You also soon notice Khronos and Amadeus behind you. “o-oh, you’re awake!” “Okay, care to tell me what the hell just happened?” You grunt as you get your bearings and stand up to face them. “How…much did you see?” “You were talkin’ with Apollyon, I think. You were talking about a murder? And then you mind probed him and then you were sent back and became unconscious!” “a-and then… apollyon left soon after, he looked kind of scared.” “Yeah, so what’s your deal with Apollyon- you mentioned him in Amadeus’ memory too!” “I’ll tell you. Come, let’s discuss inside.” The three of you once again sit around the piano. You don’t exactly want to do this, but it is the right thing to do. “It… might be easier to digest if I show you.” You pick up that accursed memory slab and expand it. The two watch Mira’s graphic death, Apollyon clear as day. You watched as the two of their faces morphed after watching the video, Amadeus being in clear disbelief and shock, and Khronos being invested, and angered by the end. “That- He’s a killer!” “b-but… we… i…” “Well that’s it, he’s a murderer and we need to do something to him!” He was obviously insinuating a violent approach to the situation, but you needed to explain some more. “Hold on. I still need to divulge some information. I came across this memory after coming across what remained of Mira Cher. It was in a rather odd room, located in the old building we were trapped in for a day, in a room of cobblestone and rain-“ “h-hey i went in that room with apowwyon! but the body wasn’t thewe…” “Hmm. Well, the room was strange, and this place we’re trapped in operates strangely too, it seems obvious that whoever is hypothetically operating this place needed to clean the body soon enough. Regardless, I racked my brain trying to debate whether Apollyon was a killer.” “Uh, he’s a killer, you saw the video first!” “Yes, but that is not what I mean. What I am trying to figure out is if Apollyon himself is a killer, or is he a pawn in somebody else’s game?” “Does that matter to you?” “Yes, if Apollyon was forced into killing, then he is more innocent than it meets the eye. If I were to judge and execute him and he was controlled by another party… I don’t know what I would’ve done. I only finally met him today, but it was rather odd. He mentioned an ‘infestation,’ which to me seems like he is being controlled. Next, I went to search his mind like I did with Amadeus, but instead of getting a slab like normal, I was warped to a dark void, before it turned to TV static and a looming voice speaking to me before I woke up again.” “so… do you think this ‘static’ is that infestation?” “Perhaps…. perhaps…” “Well, what do we do about it?” “Just… keep an eye on him if you can. I… need some time.” You stepped out of the room. At least you made some friends.

A Night of KnivesFootsteps. As the city lights turned off around her, a figure paced from roof to roof, waiting for the target. From their visor, she contacts… someone. They’re getting a bit impatient at them. They spit out, “How long am I going to wait? Also, whydya want these kiddos to be put out of commision exactly..?” The figure on the other end of the call gives a slight chuckle, before plainly stating, “Well… it’s quite obvious. The five took down the Gladiator… if they caught wind of our plan then, well…” “But that’s just a hypothetical! They’re just a group of teens who caught a lucky break against an egomaniac, sides, what if they just… don’t know our plan?” The figure on the other end sighs. “They are an unprecedented variable. Simple as that. We can’t let this… variable jeopardize everything.” Before the figure on the roof responds, they notice something. “Actually, hold that thought, doc. We have a target going down the street. What’s his name? The one with the rocket launcher?” “Rowan Thance.” “Ah. Right. Didn’t know he lived here.” The figure tailed the teen from the roofs as he walked to… “Wait- he lives at the cafe? Huh. Oh, right, before I forget, what’s the instructions for this mission?” “I’ve had The Rider spy around town. The five teens are riding high off of their victory, and your recent antics have stirred them to try and save the town from you.” “Oh. Well that’s just swell.” “Ahem. There are two goals. One, there are rumors that the five are taking orders from somebody more knowledgeable. Try to extract that information, would you? Secondly, try to put them out of commission for a bit. Try to avoid other casualties, and outright killing them is optional. Just make them fearful of the forces way above them. That is all.” “I got it. See you on the other side.” Meanwhile, Rowan was taking a stroll around town; he was still getting used to all of the wonders around the place, although he knew he needed to get back to the cafe eventually. When arriving at the location, he managed to see both Sam and Seth exiting the place, and ran up to the two. Seth noticed Rowan first. “Huh, look who it is. Rocket boy himself, how are ya enjoying your home after a few days?” Rowan slightly giggled to himself, “Oh it’s way great! Never seen this many stores at my old place! Also, what’s up with Sam?” “Hm? Oh he’s getting mega-tired. Talked with Mikhail for the whole day, and when he left to retire at his place, spent the rest yappin’ to me. Anyways, he’s goin’ to his place, but as for me? Ima spend a few hours at the skatepark.” The two walked off, Seth motioning a wave to Rowan. Rowan sighed as he walked into the cafe, Stella waving to him. “Hi there! Gonna go to bed?” Rowan shaked his head, “Actually kinda want to spend some time reading- picked up a good book at the library.” “Oh, well keep the light on then. I’m going to my room to pass out, remember to turn the lights off when done!” Before Rowan said anything, she entered her room and closed the door. Leaving Rowan alone, who sat at a far table, near the basement-his room, and began to shift through the pages of his book. The figure saw Rowan enter the cafe and knew that this was the most opportune moment. They jumped down from the roof, and crept their way to the cafe. The ringing of the entrance bells snapped Rowan out of the book. He looked up and saw a dark figure wearing a jacket, barely illuminated as the figure was still in the darkness. They had a hat and were facing down, to not give a hint of their identity away. Rowan muttered to himself quietly, “Crud, didn’t lock the door when I came in,” before speaking in a louder tone; “Um, the cafe is closed, I just live here. Please come back tomorrow..?” The figure breathed heavily, before taking demanding steps towards the boy. “You are Rowan Thance. Correct?” “Y-yeah, wait, how do you know that?” The figure gave a slight laugh. “Good. Glad to know I have the right guy to eliminate..!” The figure took out a scythe and looked up, with their sharp green eyes. They charged at Rowan, but he managed to dodge. “E-eliminate? What do you mean?” Rowan shakily picked up his rocket launcher, as the figure began to wildly swing their scythe to eliminate any obstacles. “Okay… okay Rowan… stay calm. This person wants to kill you, but you can’t lose your cool. What to do…” Rowan was mainly focused on dodging, trying to leave the cramped cafe and into the streets. It was obvious the figure was getting irritated with this cat and mouse game. “Let’s make one thing clear here, honey. You. Can’t. Run. FOREVER.” As Rowan approached the front door, he heard the booming voice of the figure, who charged and pinned him to the concrete of the urban streets. He knew he couldn’t use his weapon in this situation, so he tried everything he could to get the figure off of him, but it wasn’t working. The figure sighed as they held him tighter. “What a disappointment, I mean you took down that megalomaniac warden, yet you crumble like this?” They held the scythe in one hand, but as they were about to swing it… something hit the back of their head. “Get… away from him.” Stella stood at the doorway of the cafe, alerted by the noise the two were making. He held her slingshot in the side. He didn’t have anything dangerous to throw at the assassin, but he had enough to distract them at least. Stella fired another shot, which the figure dodged. Rowan ran up to Stelle, a bit disoriented but nothing too bad. “Th-thanks.” “Who is this guy, Rowan? Why are they trying to attack you?” The figure sighs. “Let’s restart, as we didn’t have a proper introduction. You can simply call me ‘The Specter.’ I have received a request from somebody.” They point the scythe at Rowan. “Eliminate him. I’m not required to elaborate.” Stella looked over to Rowan. His fear was clear, as he was shaking from side to side, yet he held firm. “I would go on a monologue about the choices ya have in this situation, but…” The Specter swung their scythe at their side. “You made your choice already.” The Specter leaped high into the air, and the two dodged to both sides in preparation for the attack. But soon they realized that the assassin was falling much slower than expected. The exposed eye of the Specter’s mask was obviously enjoying their surprise, as they redirected to Rowan. They got a clean slash in, but Rowan was focused. He launched a few rockets in the Specter’s direction, making the assassin lose some focus. Meanwhile, Stella was pestering the Specter with various shots. With sight of Rowan lost, the Specter snapped her gaze onto Stella, and quickly made their way to her. “C-crap-!” Stella grabbed Rowan’s hand and began to run into the city alleyways. Rowan asked, “Where are we going? W-what’s the plan?” Stella dryly replied, “I don’t know, but we need to lose them.” The Specter laughed uproariously. “Haha- okay sure, run as far as you can… the chase is always the best part of a hunt.” After looking behind themselves a few times, the two couldn’t see the assailant anymore. Rowan, after panting a few times, weakly said, “…Did… we… lose them?” “Heh- nah.” Out from a shadow, the scythe came out of nowhere, severely cutting Rowan’s face. “R-Rowan!” Rowan recoiled from the pain, half of his vision being replaced by nothing but blood. He replied, “I’m… fine… we need to win this.” He looked down at the ground with his blurred vision, where a puddle of blood was forming from the wound.Stella nodded, as the Specter marched forward. “Aww, our little kid here still has some fight in him. Unfortunately, it ain’t gonna last.” The taunting made a backing up Rowan mad; he launched a volley of rockets straight down the alley, with Stella providing covering fire. The Specter jumped high, only being hit by a few minor shots from Stella, and kicked straight down. “Yknow,” The Specter quietly said, “I haven’t even revealed every trick up my sleeves.” They turned their scythe around, and with one press of the sigil, it morphed into something else entirely. The two slowly backed off, not knowing what was in store. “Say hello to my little friend.” With the press of a trigger, shotgun-like bullets quickly homed in on the two. Stella quickly got in front of Rowan, to shield him from more harm. Luckily, with the distance, most of the wounds were superficial, but the two now realized that they were at a severe ranged disadvantage. Rowan muttered to Stella, “We need to get to a more open spot- let’s go!” Stella took the lead, dragging the half-blind Rowan back to the cafe’s opening. The Specter changed from the shotgun bullets to something more akin to a burst rifle, firing down the sightline. Given the distance, most missed, but some managed to hit their bodies or legs. When reaching the cafe, the two looked at the alley way, where the bullets were coming from so far away, that the two were confident that they escaped. But the two knew the only way this nightmare would end was if the assassin was knocked out, so the two shot into the darkness of the alley, trying to get a few shots in. Meanwhile, the Specter grew annoyed at this zoning battle, so it came time for another trick. With their mask’s display, they focused long distance at the two. They steadied a shot at Stella, as they knew that they were currently the most agile… and fired a beam, as if the gun were a sniper. Stella couldn’t have reacted to the bullet which went straight through her leg, knocking her to the ground. He tried to get back up, but couldn’t. Rowan, now distracted, wasn’t looking when the Specter ran out of the alley, gun in hand. The Specter fired the gun directly at Rowan’s shoulder, which, given prior scythe slashes, was enough to cut it off completely. Stella and Rowan took a second to realize what had just happened, Rowan completely letting the fear overtake him. Stella tried to reach out to Rowan, but he was knocked out by the Specter’s gun butt. A scatterbrained Rowan, not thinking straight, ran into the cafe, maybe thinking he could bar himself inside the basement. He made it inside, bumping against the far wall, but he was stopped as the Specter launched volley after volley of sharp slashes with their scythe. Rowan slid down the wall, now facing his assailant. He silently sobbed as his inevitable fate consumed his mind. ‘Why did this have to happen?’ he thought. He thought about the journey thus far, his family, his new friends, and the naive thrill of battle. The thought that this type of battle was fun was now laughable. He just braced himself. Not saying a word. Ready for his judgment. The Specter reveled in the pain of their target, getting ready to seal the deal. “Okay buddy, can you do one more favor for me before you get sent to the great beyond? Great.” They coughed. “Some people say that you had a boss of some kind when you defeated the Gladiator. Could you tell me who it was? Oh yeah, also don’t play with me, you ain’t exactly in a position to negotiate.” Rowan, with nothing to lose at this point, weakly coughed. “y-yeah. his… his name is… mik..hail knal…a” The Specter stepped back. “Mi-Mikhail?” Obviously, they weren’t expecting that answer, but composed herself. “Well honey…” The Specter took off her mask, ready for Rowan to look at their killer. “This is the end of the line for you.” She put it back on, before deeply slashing his chest, near the heart. The Specter continued to do this, nearly killing him, but stopped. They looked back, and examined the darkness with their mask’s display. They could see somebody else coming. “Hm. Well, he’s as good as dead anyway. I should escape while I have the opportunity.” The Specter slipped away into the darkness, unseen by any prying eyes. “Hey, the cafe’s lights are still on. Is he still reading that book?” Seth rode into town from the skatepark. He slowly skated to the cafe, but immediately braked. “Woah- what the fu…” He was speechless at what he saw. Broken windows, blood everywhere, two unconscious bodies, and an arm lying in the middle of it all. The scene looked straight out of a horror movie. “Wh-What..? Holy shit are they okay!?” Seth quickly rode into the scene, first checking on Stella. He examined her body, but luckily the bullet to the leg was the only thing really damaging. He then changed his attention to Rowan. He walked into the broken cafe, and when he saw the body, Seth had to look away. He could hear Rowan’s labored breathing, but his wounds were hard to look at. They were grievous to say the least. “No, no, no… he’s probably gonna die if I don’t do something… shit!” Seth’s brain was overstimulated at what to do. “No… I can’t get Valeria. They’re at their village and I can’t get there in time… I need Mikhail. Okay, where’s that warehouse thing…” Seth skated out, and quickly made it to the warehouse. He knocked on the door very rapidly, needing a response now. Mikhail tiredly walked out of his technology-filled room. “Who… is it? Oh, Mr. Begonsa, what do you ne-“ Seth quickly got to the point. “I need you, quick. I-it’s Stella and Rowan, they’re hurt… bad!” Mikhail suddenly woke up from his tiredness. “W-what? Where are they?” He quickly pulled out his medical briefcase. “Cafe; come quick!” The two made it to the scene quickly. Mikhail quickly got to work, creating an autopsy for the two before reporting back to Seth. “Okay… jesus. Listen. Stella’s wounds are mostly superficial; I should be able to heal her with my medical gun. However Rowan is obviously more wounded, and will need a proper operation. Take Rowan to my base, I will heal Stella. You can choose to alert your friends.” “…Got it.” Seth ran over to Rowan, and picked him up. He could hear his soft yet labored breathing, and he was cold to the touch. He couldn’t skate back to base with a wounded body, so he quickly marched to the base. A single thought permeated through the skater's mind. “Who did this?”